Weight Loss Injections - a detailed comparison

These days we are spoilt for choice with more weight loss injections being added to the UK healthcare market, it can be hard to know what is the best injection for weight loss, so we have created this article to help you make an informed decision for your weight loss journey.

Weight loss tablets vs Injections

Until recently, oral tablets and capsules were the only prescription-strength weight loss aids, such as Orlistat 120mg capsules and Xenical weight loss capsules which work by binding the fat from the food you eat, to most recently, Mysimba tablets which you take up to 4 x daily tablets, work to suppress your appetite resulting in fewer calories consumed. So why is there a need for weight loss injections?

Other than the obvious being that injections for slimming are a great alternative for those who cannot take oral medicine for any reason, here are the other benefits and drawbacks to both weight loss oral tablets and injections.

Oral tablets:

• Does not require needles.
• Often taken more than once daily.
• Possible side effects include nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
• You have to remember to take them out with you during the day.

Injections:

• The use of needles.
• Are typically injected weekly.
• Possible side effects include injection site reactions.
• It doesn’t make a difference whether food and liquids have been consumed before or after injection.

Comparison of weight loss injections

You can find below a comparison of the 3 most popular weight loss injections available on the UK market to date. These include Wegovy and Mounjaro pens:

     Wegovy

Strengths: 0.25mg, 0.5mg, 1mg, 1.7mg, 2.4mg

Active ingredient: Semaglutide

Who can use it: Wegovy (sometimes known as Diabetes-only treatment, Ozempic) can be used by adults aged 18-74 if their BMI is over 30. Those who have weight-related medical problems, such as diabetes, could qualify if their BMI is over 27.

How it works: Wegovy works by making you feel full and reducing hunger. It works by mimicking a hormone that targets areas of the brain that regulate appetite and food intake. This can help you eat less, which can lead to weight loss.

Directions for use: Use this medicine once a week. It is advised that you take it on the same day each week. You can take it at any time of day that works best for you.

Common side effects: Stomach issues like nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, constipation, and stomach pain. For most people, stomach side effects lessen or disappear after a few weeks of treatment.

Effectiveness: You should expect to lose 10 – 15% of your starting body weight with Wegovy.

Wegovy price: The price of a Wegovy weight loss pen starts from £179.98 per pen.

Patient information leaflet: Wegovy PIL

Where to buy Wegovy injections: You can buy Wegovy Injections from Oxford Online Pharmacy.

Mounjaro

Strengths: 2.5mg, 5mg, 7.5mg, 10mg, 12.5mg, 15mg

Active ingredient: Tirzepatide

Who can use it: This medicine is for adults who have a BMI over 30 or a BMI over 27 with weight-related medical issues. These medical issues include high blood pressure, sleep apnoea, type 2 diabetes, and high cholesterol.

How it works: Tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Mounjaro (and known as the brand name Zepbound in the US) comes from a class of drugs called GLP-1 agonists. This medicine will regulate your hunger, making you feel fuller and less hungry, resulting in fewer calories consumed, ultimately aiding in a reduction in body fat.

Direction for use: This medicine should be used once weekly. Start with 2.5mg for 4 weeks. Then, increase the dose weekly to 5mg, 7.5mg, 10mg, 12.5mg, and 15mg as tolerated. You must not increase the dose by more than 15mg weekly.

Common side effects: Abdominal pain or discomfort, constipation, decreased appetite, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting.

Effectiveness: In clinical trials, many patients experienced a 15 – 20% total weight loss with Mounjaro.

Mounjaro price: The price of Mounajro starts from £188.99 per pen.*

Patient information leaflet: Mounjaro PIL

Where to buy Mounjaro injections: You can buy Mounjaro Injections at Oxford Online Pharmacy

What is the best injection for weight loss?

This all depends on your personal preference, to help you make a decision, you should consider the following notes:

• You should expect to lose 10 – 15% of your starting weight with Wegovy. Weight loss is expected to be between 15 – 20% with Mounjaro.
• Both of these weight loss injections work by suppressing your appetite.
• Both of these injections are GLP-1 agonists.
• Similar common side effects are reported in both injections, which should stop after using the medicine for a while.
• These injections both require a prescription.
• You must have a BMI of over 30 or 27 with weight-related conditions to use these weight loss aids.
• All treatments have been approved for use for weight loss in the UK.

FAQs

Where do you inject weight loss injection pens?

These weight loss pens should be injected into the upper arm, tummy, or upper thigh once weekly. Stick to the same day and time when injecting this medicine for maximum effect.

Can I get weight loss injections on the NHS?

These weight loss injections are available on the NHS, although normally only given via specialist services.

Read more about weight loss injections on the NHS.

Are weight loss injections safe?

Weight loss subcutaneous injections are safe and effective if they have been prescribed to you by a GMC-registered doctor. You must only get weight loss injections from a registered pharmacy, read more about how to know if a pharmacy is fake here.

All the injections above have been authorised for use by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

With any medicine, there is a risk of associated side effects, although not everybody gets them. If you use weight loss injections as instructed by your doctor, this will minimise the risk of unwanted side effects.

If you have any allergies to any of the ingredients in these pens, using them could cause an unwanted allergic reaction, always read the patient information leaflet carefully before use.

Do weight loss aids work alone?

Weight loss aids are not miracle treatments, this means that for them to work you need to do your bit by adopting a healthy lifestyle. You must make changes (if necessary) to your diet and exercise regime. Eat a reduced-calorie diet and increase your physical activity to get the best results from this weight-loss treatment.

By limiting your calorie intake, you will reduce the risk of this treatment being ineffective and causing weight gain.

Who shouldn’t use weight loss injections?

You shouldn’t use weight loss pens if:

• If your BMI doesn’t meet the criteria
• If you are under 18
• If you are or are planning to become pregnant

If you are on any of the following medicines:

• Blood thinning medicines
• Certain Diabetes medicines
• Insulin GLP-1 receptor agonist

You should report any of the following medical conditions before considering weight loss injections:

• You have Liver Disease
• You have or have ever had Pancreatitis
• You are over the age of 75
• You have Kidney Disease
• You have Heart Failure

Do weight loss injections hurt?

Other than experiencing a small scratch when injecting weight loss medicines, you shouldn’t feel any pain. If you do, this may indicate that you are not using the pen correctly and you should contact a healthcare professional for guidance.

For more information, read our Nervous about injecting Saxenda article.

*These prices are as of 26.02.24 and are subject to change.